The opening day of the NCAA women's basketball tournament delivered all the drama and excitement fans have come to expect from March Madness, with the nation's top-ranked team surviving a major scare and a significant upset shaking up the bracket.
South Carolina Escapes with Gritty Win
The No. 1 overall seed South Carolina Gamecocks were pushed to the absolute limit by a determined No. 16 seed Presbyterian, ultimately securing a hard-fought 91-39 victory that was far more challenging than the final score suggests. The Gamecocks, who entered the tournament with a perfect 32-0 record, found themselves in an unexpected battle early on.
MiLaysia Fulwiley emerged as the hero for South Carolina, delivering a spectacular performance with 17 crucial points. Despite the pressure of maintaining their undefeated season, the Gamecocks demonstrated the resilience of a championship-calibre team, pulling away in the second half to avoid what would have been a historic upset.
Richmond Spiders Weave an Upset
In one of the day's most shocking results, the No. 10 seed Richmond Spiders executed a masterful game plan to defeat the No. 7 seed DePaul Blue Demons with a convincing 61-45 scoreline. The Spiders' defence was nothing short of phenomenal, completely stifling DePaul's offensive threats throughout the contest.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Richmond programme, delivering their first NCAA tournament win since 2009. The controlled, disciplined performance sends a clear message to the rest of the field that the Spiders are a force to be reckoned with as the tournament progresses.
Other Key Results from Day One
Elsewhere in the tournament, several other favourites managed to advance, though not without their own challenges:
- No. 2 seed USC overcame a slow start to defeat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi with a solid 87-55 victory.
- No. 4 seed UCLA showcased their offensive firepower in an 84-55 rout of California Baptist.
- No. 8 seed North Carolina secured their spot in the next round with a 59-56 win over Michigan State.
The action continues as the first round unfolds, with more surprises undoubtedly waiting in the wings. South Carolina will look to build on their escape act, while Richmond will aim to continue their Cinderella story in what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
